Friday, August 19, 2011

One of the non-knitting projects I've been working on is getting all of my photos organized. First, I am starting with the electronic ones. I have lots and, somehow, thousands of them were duplicated on my computer. It's crazy! I chip away at it a little each day. After that portion of the project is done, I plan to scan in old pictures that I only have in print form.

It is both fun and sad to go through all these old photos. I try to concentrate on remembering all the good times when I see pictures of loved ones who have passed away.

Here are a few fun ones of the dogs that I uncovered in the organization.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

High school marching band was a HUGE part of my life in my teen years. Every year we would get to go watch a Drum and Bugle Corps show. I remember the first time I heard a corps play. I sat there amazed, thrilled, excited, and impressed. Every summer, it was a highlight to go on this trip. I haven't played since I graduated, but I still love to go and watch the local bands each fall.

We kept seeing the Fathom Events advertisement of the DCI prelims at the movies. Now that I no longer work each Thursday night, we had it open to go. Patrick had never watched a corps before. I kept going on and on about how excited I was to see it. Well, the contest happened to be in Indy, so my WONDERFUL hubby ordered tickets for the Finals!!!! I was like a child all week waiting for Christmas to arrive. They didn't disappoint!

My personal favorite shows were The Madison Scouts, The Cavaliers, and Crown. Although I enjoyed the top two shows that won, as an audience member I found them not to be the most exciting. I wasn't able to get very good pictures, but here are few. Now, I'm all ready to watch the high school bands in the coming months!

Thursday, August 11, 2011

I hit the jackpot with some fantastic button finds. Now, you get to benefit! They have been transformed into rings and hair accessories. Aren't they fun? I haven't yet loaded them ALL to Etsy, so if you would like to grab one up ahead of time, email me at BrownieKnits@yahoo.com and I can provide pricing and a check out link.

THE FOLLOWING ARE CREATED FROM ANTIQUE BUTTONS AND THE RING PORTION IS ADJUSTABLE SO IT IS SURE TO FIT YOU! THIS IS JUST A SAMPLING OF THE RINGS I HAVE NOW. I'LL KEEP POSTING AS I PUT MORE UP ON ETSY.

THE FOLLOWING RINGS ARE HANDMADE FABRIC BUTTONS ON ADJUSTABLE RINGS. THE FIRST TWO ARE PERFECT FOR THE WINTER HOLIDAYS!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

I just LOVE Madelinetosh! I knitted up a Miami Beach Shawl out of some Tosh DK that I picked up. Isn't it lovely? This is for a loved one, but I have to make myself send it and not keep it!!! The pattern was also lots of fun to knit and made up in about three days of knitting here and there. The crescent garter stitch area flies off the needles with the short rows. Pattern definitely requires blocking to get the right scallop.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

One of our traditions is that Santa fills a stocking at our house for the nephews, and now niece, each year. So one of the projects I'm working on right now is Ella's stocking. Being the only girl, I decided to go with sparkle and glitz. I am using Kraemer's Stirling Silk & Silver yarn as the main color and Ella Rae Merino Lace as the secondary color. It is also embellished with beads that I am placing with a crochet hook. I hope I can find the time to get this thing done in time!!!!!

This is the top section. I believe that is a Latvian braid above and below the fair isle section.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

One of PK's friends just became a daddy. Without hesitation, I knew what I wanted to make for this new little one. When Patrick and I first started dating and I was introduced to the "guys," I was also introduced into the world of Star Wars. They were nuts about it! This was also around the time that the prequels were released, so I remember going to see those with the gang. I had flagged this pattern from Sunshyne LeLand.

Pattern: Free in Ravelry and named Felted Baby Yoda Hat

Needles: US 11

Yarn: Cascade 220

Hat is knitted in the round and then ears are knitted and sewn onto hat. This IS a felted hat project.

Mods: I was using a partial skein of yarn and was just shy on yardage. I left off the ear flaps and crocheted the cord.

Friday, August 5, 2011

In addition to the vintage button jewelry and hair accessories, we are also expanding into making our own buttons. First up, these two fun numbers! Stay tuned over the next week if you are a knitter, crocheter, or seamstress. We will be uploading buttons that you can use on all your projects!

This ring is adjustable so it is sure to fit you!

Features orange and white colors and is mounted on a gold-colored ring.

This handmade fabric button is a one-of-a kind! The button was made by me and mounted to a sturdy silver-colored bobby pin. Great for little girls to grown up girls! This hair accessory retails for $2.50 and can be purchased by clicking this link. I can't wait for Ella's red hair to get longer so I can make her tons of hair accessories! Let me know what colors you need for you and your little ones.

Need or want a specific themed button ring or hair accessory? Let me know what you need and we can custom-make you an item.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

My newest sleep sack creation knitted in a worsted weight yarn and embellished with a crocheted owl face. This sack is for sale here. You can also order it in custom colors by emailing me at brownieknits@yahoo.com or convo in Etsy. The pattern is in final edits and will release shortly!